Fifty Days Underground

March 5, 2014

Who inspired today's broken heart song?

A woman who recently had her heart broken by her boyfriend of almost four years. The couple met at a folk festival in 2010, and fell madly in love with each other. The boyfriend, still friends with his ex girlfriend (and first love), assured the woman that she had nothing to worry about and asked that she respect their friendship. So she did. She trusted him.

The couple lived together for a couple of years. During this time, the boyfriend lied several times about meeting with friends and instead met with his ex-girlfriend. The boyfriend lost his job and got offered a great position for a year in the same city as his ex-girlfriend. He took the job. A month later, he called his girlfriend to tell her that he slept with his ex-girlfriend. He said, "I am so sorry. I love you but I love her too. I don't love her more than you but I love her too."

After going back and forth for months, breaking up and getting back together, the couple finally split two weeks ago. He called the girlfriend (when she was adding him back on her benefits at work) to tell her that he needed silence and to take a step back. She is completely shattered and heart broken.

String My Heart Along is a heart wrenching song depicting the feelings I can only fathom this woman is experiencing. She expresses how much she loves this man and doesn't want it to be over. She's angry because he strung along her heart when he was in still love with someone else. It's devastating.

Where did you play?

Herald Square – 34th St. I was determined to redo the failed performance here last week. Mission accomplished.

How much did you earn?

$26.33

Did anything unusual happen?

I ran into my former boss! I absolutely love running into people I know. At first, I was embarrassed about it but now I just think it's the best thing ever. I welcomed him into my 'office' and we chatted about the project. He gave me a really generous donation (thank you!), and took the photo for today's blog post. When I used to work there, the entire team came to my birthday show at The Bitter End. One of the best memories in my memory bank to date. I have to say, I have been really fortunate to have worked with the most sincere and wonderful people.

There was an old, Asian man who approached me and asked me about my music. I could tell he didn't speak a lot of English. He walked away but then turned around and came back, and said, "Maybe sometime I can invite you." And I said, "Invite me to what?" He responded, "To play at art exhibit." So I nodded and said, "Sure!" He was precious. I hope I'm equally as precious when I'm his age.

There was a little kid (about 3 or 4 years old) walking with his mom who kept waving at me. He got really excited by the fact that every time he waved, I would wave back. I think I have officially perfected the skill of waving to children with one hand while singing and playing the keyboard with the other hand.

This was funny. There was an old man who was walking really slowly, and stopped to listen to me play. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a bill and stood there for a while. Just as I was about to thank him, he put it back in his pocket and walked away. I couldn't stop laughing after that. I guess maybe he didn't like what he heard!? Haha.

Did you meet anyone interesting?

Yes, I met a woman named Francis who's a dance instructor for children. We chatted for a bit, and she said she loves when she stumbles upon projects like mine. She told me that she recently lost her mother, and would submit her story. She also gave me her phone number because she ran out of business cards and told me to call her. So now that I've blogged about it, I can't forget to do it. 

I met another girl who looked like she was about my age. I gave her a card and we talked about the project. I said, "Everyone has a story." And she responded, "So weird that you would say that today." She definitely looked like she had a story to tell. I thought she might share it in person, but she left. Maybe I'll get it in my inbox later.

What's the best advice you received from a stranger?

No advice today. Instead, some fun facts:

I've decided my sign is kind of wimpy so I'm going to get a nicer one printed this week. Moving on up!

There was a woman who came to pick up a card who I could have sworn picked up a couple cards from me at the same station before. That or I'm going crazy, which is also likely.

After seeing several mothers struggling to carry strollers and children simultaneously up and down the subway stairs, I vow never to have a child in this city.

How are you feeling?

Amazing. Taking a week off works wonders for the physical and mental health. It's a huge blessing in disguise that I got sick last week. I felt so energetic and rejuvenated today, and I think that definitely came across in my performance. 

When I was walking home, there were a few people with a table set up on the corner of my block. They asked me if I wanted some free hot chocolate. I stupidly said, "Is it really free?" They were from the Park Slope Community Church and giving out hot chocolate to keep people warm. No rhyme or reason. Just the kindness of their hearts. People truly are amazing. Gestures like that one make me so proud to be a human being. But I'd be a proud whale too, not going to lie.

I'm leaving to Austin on Friday. Yay to warmer weather! I'm going to be in yet another wedding (don't ask me how many bridesmaid dresses I own). I'll be doing a few Fifty Days Underground performances and posts there so I'm really curious to see how the Austinites receive the project. And it's SXSW so the city will be flooded with musicians. Bonus.

At the end of this month, I am going to have the honor of playing with a very talented cellist and guitarist. They are much younger than I am, but their talent probably surpasses mine - not sure how that works! Haha. I'm really looking forward to performing with them both. Don't worry, I'll keep reminding you so you can come and watch us. :)

Now I have to go finish writing a song in the speed of lightening because I am getting drinks with someone from ********* tonight to talk about Fifty Days Underground. Oh come on, it wouldn't be fun if I told you all my secrets now, would it? ;)

Don't forget to submit your answer to this question by Friday to be featured on the newer blog posts:

Question 1: In only FIVE words, what would you say to the person who led you to heartbreak?

© 2014 Kelly Bazely